Human Rights Defender Elvin Mustafayev Reportedly Tortured in Azerbaijani Prison Amid Broader Crackdown

Elvin Mustafayev

Baku, Azerbaijan – Elvin Mustafayev, a prominent workers' rights activist and member of the "Workers' Table" Confederation of Trade Unions, has allegedly been subjected to severe torture in an Azerbaijani penitentiary institution, leading to serious health issues. His case appears to be part of a larger pattern of arrests and alleged persecution targeting members of the "Workers' Table" for their activism.

Who is Elvin Mustafayev and the "Workers' Table"?

Elvin Mustafayev is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in Azerbaijan, affiliated with the "Workers' Table" (İşçi Masası) Confederation of Trade Unions, an organization founded in 2022 to defend labor interests. Mustafayev was initially arrested on August 4, 2023, and subsequently sentenced to three years imprisonment on drug charges. He vehemently denies these accusations, asserting they are fabricated and politically motivated, designed to silence his activism. Prior to his current incarceration, Mustafayev faced administrative arrests for his public activities, including a protest in Saatli related to water access issues.

Harrowing Allegations of Torture

The ordeal detailed by "Workers' Table" began on May 6, 2025. Mustafayev, who had initiated a hunger strike demanding the release of opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, was transferred from Penitentiary Institution No. 13 to Penitentiary Institution No. 6. Upon arrival, he was immediately taken to the office of the institution's head, Farid Aliyev.

According to reports from "Workers' Table," Aliyev allegedly slapped Mustafayev across the face, warning him, "This is not like the zones you've been in; be smart here." When Mustafayev protested this treatment, calling it illegal and humiliating, the situation reportedly escalated dramatically. Operatives identified as Samir and Ali allegedly joined in, subjecting Mustafayev to severe physical torture. Other accounts suggest up to 15 individuals participated in the assault.

The alleged torture resulted in significant injuries, including severe blows to Mustafayev's head and various parts of his body. His eardrum reportedly burst, he lost consciousness, and bled from his ear for three days. More than a month later, Mustafayev continues to suffer from ear inflammation and acute bodily pains.

Calls for Justice Go Unanswered

In response to these grave allegations, the "Workers' Table" Confederation of Trade Unions and Mustafayev's family have appealed to both the Ombudsman's Office and the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice. They are demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged torture and that those named – head Farid Aliyev and operatives Samir and Ali – be held accountable.

Despite these appeals, official bodies, including the Ministry of Justice and the Penitentiary Service, have yet to comment specifically on Mustafayev's case. Historically, the Penitentiary Service has denied torture complaints against prisoners, maintaining that the rights of all detainees are ensured in accordance with the law.

Ongoing Detention and Broader Persecution

Mustafayev's confinement continues in solitary, despite initial expectations for him to be moved to a general cell. Adding to his plight, Penitentiary Institution No. 6 head Farid Aliyev has requested the Nizami District Court to transfer Mustafayev to the high-security Gobustan prison, where he would remain until his sentence ends in August 2026. The request cites alleged violations of internal disciplinary rules by Mustafayev, including claims of engaging in "opposition activities" and attempting to injure himself and staff – claims his relatives adamantly dismiss as slander. The court hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Mustafayev's situation is not isolated. The "Workers' Table" asserts that this is part of a wider crackdown on their members. Currently, three other prominent members of the organization – Chairman Afiaddin Mammadov, Aykhan Israfilov, and Mohyaddin Orujov – are also imprisoned on charges they claim are fabricated and politically motivated due to their activism. Human rights defenders recognize Elvin Mustafayev and others as political prisoners, citing over 370 such cases in Azerbaijan, a claim consistently rejected by official government bodies who state no one is persecuted for their socio-political activities.

The "Workers' Table" and human rights groups continue to advocate for Elvin Mustafayev's release and a transparent investigation into the alleged torture, highlighting concerns about the state of workers' rights and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.